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Topsail Talks: WWII Bombs Away Coffeen Nature Preserve

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What: Topsail Talks: WWII Bombs Away Coffeen Nature Preserve

When: Friday, January 12, 2018

Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 am

Where: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Join Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for a Topsail Talks Educational Discovery Series on Friday, Jan. 12 from 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. The program is about the Coffeen Nature Preserve and its history of World War II missile testing. The 220-acre Nature Preserve, just west of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, is owned by the Coffeen Land Trust, a local environmental non-profit organization dedicated to preserving it as a place of peace and quiet and a haven for all God’s creatures. Its history however is far from quiet. It was used as a secret missile test site by the Army Air Force during World War II. Hundreds of JB-2 “Buzz Bombs,” (the first pilotless, jet propelled missiles), were launched from the dunes into the Gulf of Mexico.

Learn about the site where America’s strategic missile program began. Coffeen Nature Preserve is located just west of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in South Walton, Florida.

This program meets in the Clubhouse and is free with regular park admission.

Topsail Talks is a monthly educational discovery series with presentations from organizations and government agencies from the local community.

Event is free with regular park admission. Donations to the Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park always welcome.

Park programs are made possible by Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Come out and explore one of the most beautiful state park preserves in South Walton, Florida. Follow Friends of Topsail on Facebook for upcoming events such as geocaching around the park (Wed & Sat), weekly Ranger Programs (Thu), Family Challenge (Sat), Dirty Friday (First Fri) and special events and festivals throughout the year. Follow Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on Facebook for updates on park events.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, located on the west side of Scenic 30A in South Walton, offers a wide variety of natural resources including 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall. Three rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing. Although boats are not allowed, fishing from the shoreline yields bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Lakes, pristine beaches, old-growth long leaf pines, sand pine scrub, and a variety of wetlands offer a bird-watching and hiking paradise. Visitors may bike, walk, or enjoy a quick ride to the beach on our timely tram service to swim, fish, sunbathe, or beachcomb. Gregory E. Moore RV resort features a (non-heated) swimming pool and shuffleboard courts. Furnished bungalows are available for weekly stays. A camp store offers a variety of camping items, as well as snacks and drinks.